Wholesale Distributors of Plastic Bottles, Caps, Jars & Accessories

Frequently Asked Questions

If you can't find what you're looking for here please call us or send a message, we're here to help!

How do I order?

Our online shop is open.

To place an order, please visit our online shop. You can also click ‘notify me’ on any zero stock item and we will let you know when stock becomes available.

If you prefer to speak to a member of the team, before placing your order, we can be contacted on 01229 588877.

When can I expect delivery?

For UK mainland customers, we try to provide an 'express' courier delivery service for parcel orders placed by 1.00pm*.  Pallet orders will be dispatched the next working day.

Please be aware that 'express' orders placed on a Friday will not arrive until Monday. 

What is the lead time on this out of stock item?

Lead times vary depending on the supply chain for the product in question. Some faster-moving items we source directly from UK manufacturers (as much as is possible) but other slower-moving items are bought in smaller quantities from worldwide stockists who we have trade arrangements with. Lead times, therefore, can vary as we are not in direct control of the purchase from the manufacturer.

We are working with suppliers to obtain good lead time information but, in some cases, this has proved to be almost impossible. Many of our suppliers are facing physical restrictions in the workplace, reduced workforce, people working from home, and an unprecedented high demand due to the need for packaging for hand sanitizer. A direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Good lines of communication are difficult to maintain but we will be completely honest and transparent with you and continue to share any lead time updates we do manage to obtain.

How do I ship to the European Union?

European Union dispatch from January 2021

Orders to the European Union now require an EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification number). For details of how to obtain an EORI for the country you wish us to export to please see the European Commission website. An incorrect EORI number can not only delay dispatch of your order but may also result in your goods being held at customs.

Please note our shipping costs do not include any customs or supplementary delivery charges which may be applied to deliveries to the European Union.

Additional costs incurred through customs will be determined by the country of destination and may vary depending on the weight and value of goods.

What is a backorder?

A backorder will be generated on our system when there is not enough stock available to ship your order in full.

We will contact our supplier for a lead time, and you can expect to hear from our customer service team within 1 hour of placing your order (office hours only).

The majority of backorders ship in 1-2 weeks.

To keep your shipping costs to a minimum, we will always group your order together even if some of the items are in stock. If you would prefer for us to split your order and apply a second delivery charge, please let us know when we call.

All backorders are monitored daily, and regular updates will be communicated to you either by email or phone.

Can I split a backorder and get the in-stock items I need now?

Yes. We are happy to split your backorder and despatch items to you that are in stock and available for delivery. Your shipping costs will be recalculated and a second shipping cost applied to your urgent order. Talk to us when we call.

What if my backorder takes too long?

We try to fulfil all backorders as quickly as possible, normally within 1- 2 weeks. In rare cases, where we encounter severe manufacturing or supply delays that are out of our control, we understand that you might want to cancel your order. We will gladly refund your order or issue a credit note to be used against your next order.

Can I collect my order?

Yes. We are more than happy for you to collect your order. Orders placed before 1.00pm will be available for collection the same day.

Can I arrange my own courier / haulier service?

We are more than happy for you to arrange your own shipping service. Orders placed before 1.00pm will be available the same day.

If you choose to arrange your own shipping please ensure that you have emailed all the relevant paperwork and labels required for your driver to collect your order.

Please include your order number and attach everything we will need to:warehouse@the-pbc.com

Can I place a small order?

Yes. We supply a large number of small UK and international businesses and place no restriction whatsoever on order quantity or value. No minimum order.

Can you help a small business to buy in bulk?

Yes. If you would like to take advantage of our bulk-buy pricing structure but have limited storage we can store your bottles and containers ready for when they are required and can support you with regular dispatches or send upon request.

Please note: Our warehouse storage has the very highest levels of hygiene but is not a sterile environment.

I have an urgent request! Can you help?

We know how it feels to run a business when there's no time to wait so we endeavour to answer all emails and queries within a reasonable time frame (90% within 1 hour).

If you need to speak to us urgently, please call (+44) 01229 588877.

I have a problem with my order. Can you help?

In the unlikely event that you have a problem with any of our bottles or containers please get in touch and we will attempt to rectify the problem immediately.

Call (+44) 01229 588877 to speak to a member of our experienced team.

Where is my parcel? (UK dispatch ONLY)

Unless stated otherwise, all small UK parcels are dispatched using the Parcelforce or DPD shipping service. All orders can be tracked online using their websites and reference printed on your dispatch confirmation from our warehouse.

DPD shipping service tracking service.

Parcelforce tracking website.

Where is my parcel? (Royal Mail International Service ONLY)

If you selected the Royal Mail international shipping service for your order and it has not arrived when you expected it to, please let us know and we will raise this issue with Royal Mail as soon as the specified time has lapsed.

You can visit the Royal Mail missing items page for further information.

Do you sell glass bottles?

We don’t however, depending on quantity we can look at sourcing via our independent sister company, Avail. Please contact info@availuk.com with your requirements.

Is this bottle / cap / accessory suitable for my product?

We can advise on suitability based on the type of plastic but we always strongly advise that you take a sample bottle and do a thorough fill / leak test and make sure your product is compatible with the type of plastic requested before purchasing.

Please contact us if you would like to request a sample.

What are the different plastic types and can they all be recycled?

We offer a range of different plastic types including bioplastics. For full details, suggested uses and recycling information please visit our Plastic Types page.

What is a dip tube and will it fit the bottle I am buying?

Dip tubes are the opaque 'straws' that protrude from atomisers, trigger sprayers and pumps. They 'dip' into the product and allow flow to the accessory when pressed. They vary in length according to cap size and are measured 'From the Base of the Gasket' (FBOG) within the cap to the end of the tube.

Please note: Dip tube lengths are standard for neck sizes so some trimming may be required to fit the size of your bottle. Please contact us if you are unsure. Dip tubes can be cut or lengthened at an additional cost if required.

What is an IHS cap?

Induction heat sealing (IHS), otherwise known as cap sealing, is a non-contact method of heating an inner seal to hermetically seal the top of plastic and glass containers. The seal is found in the roof of the cap and the sealing process takes place after the container has been filled and capped and heat is applied.

Please note: Seals are made specifically for either PET or HDPE. Please contact us if you are unsure.

What are tamper-evident caps?

Tamper-evident caps are available in various forms. The most common types include either a break-away band or integral peelable strip. It is important to note that these types of closures require a tamper-evident container.

Please note: If your chosen container is not tamper-evident, an IHS cap can be a suitable alternative to provide tamper evidence.

How can I be sure my cap will fit my bottle?

Certain caps are designed for certain bottles. For example, our 18mm pointed cap is only designed to fit a bottle with a pointed plug inserted.

Due to our varied product portfolio, we highly recommend checking the compatibility of individual components by requesting a sample before you place an order.

Please contact us if you would like to request a sample.

Can you control the flow of the twist top?

The ribbed twist top closures have a screw threaded finish. The top part of the cap has a 'twist action' which opens and closes by turning the top half to allow for your product to be dispensed in a controlled manner. Ideal for inks, paint, liquids, certain adhesives etc.

Do the cap sizes represent the external diameter of the cap?

No, cap sizes are the internal diameter measurement of the cap, not the external diameter.

Please contact us if you are unsure and would like to request a sample.

What is fluorination?

The fluorinated layer is not a coating or lacquer; it is a chemical conversion of the existing surface and as such is atomically bonded to the parent plastic. The treatment is permanent and the layer is not readily removable nor does it become unbound with time.

What are UN bottles?

A United Nations classification system for containers that are used to transport anything classed as dangerous goods. Packaging must meet or exceed minimum performance standards. When a container is certified, it's assigned a unique code and allowed to use the UN symbol which means that the container has been tested, and passed, at an approved United Nations testing station.

Can I put hot liquid in a PET bottle?

The short answer is no, you cannot. Standard PET plastic is not suitable for normal hot fill. The usual recommendation is that PET plastic containers are tolerant of being filled with products up to 40° C. Some people say that you can get away with slightly higher temperatures than this, but it is important to test each product for chemical and heat compatibility.

The good news is that new grades of PET and new additives in the plastic are being tested even as you read this. There is hope in the plastics industry that there is good progress being made and that it is something that will be available in the near future. But we are not there yet.

What is an EPE liner?

EPE liners are foam liners pre-inserted into the closure. Expanded polyethylene or EPE is made from LDPE resins. EPE foam has good thermal insulation properties and is also waterproof, thus it has a large number of packaging applications.

Can we freeze plastic?

We always recommend that customers carry out their own product test. Freezing plastic containers can depend on the product in the container. If you put liquid in a closed bottle without leaving room in it for expansion, your container could crack or burst.

Please contact us if you would like to request a sample.

What are the dose output for atomisers, hand pumps, trigger sprays?

You can find information on dosage output in individual product listings. Please contact us if you are unsure.

Will my bottles arrive sterilised and ready to use?

Our products come to us direct from the manufacturers. They are stored in our warehouse then packed and dispatched. This means that they may have picked up dust particles, etc. during transit and storage. We'd therefore recommend that you sterilise before use.

What will the cost of my delivery be?

Delivery charges are calculated on the weight and bulk of your order and your postcode. To check the delivery charge for your order, find the product on our website, add the items to your basket and click 'Calculate Shipping'. You will be shown the cost for delivery before you place your order.

If an option does not populate for your postcode, please select the shipping quote option and we will source a quote for you.

Which countries do you deliver to?

We can ship to virtually any address in the world even though shipping options for every country may not appear on the website.

For those not covered within our standard shipping services, we can provide a quote on request. Please contact us if you are unsure.

Here to help!

If you need advice or are looking for a particular bottle or container that's not on the website, just ask. Even if we don't stock it we may be able to source it for you.

Telephone: (+44) 01229 588877
© The Plastic Bottles Company 2018 - 2024. All rights reserved. GJD Solutions Limited t/a The Plastic Bottles Company, Unit 1F Cross Lane, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 9DQ. Registration: 07515596.